3GPP traffic detection functionality

Mobile operators may have policies related to specific applications, however up until 3GPP Release 11 they have been unable to detect and enforce at the application level without explicit service level signaling in place. The user experience as well as network resources usage is enhanced dramatically if the network becomes application aware and is able to apply application specific policies. Traffic detection mechanisms help to achieve application awareness. Traffic detection functionality can be implemented by a standalone entity as well as one residing within cellular network gateway. This paper's main focus is on traffic detection functionality implemented by a standalone entity.